How many calories are in 1 scoop of EleCare Jr.?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

For a standard dilution of 30 calories per fluid ounce, one unpacked, level scoop of EleCare Jr. powder contains approximately 45 calories. This specific, amino acid-based formula is a critical nutritional tool prescribed for children with severe food allergies and other gastrointestinal conditions.

Quick Summary

A single scoop of EleCare Jr. provides about 45 calories when prepared at the standard concentration. This caloric value is a key metric for caregivers and medical staff managing a child's unique dietary requirements.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A single, level scoop of EleCare Jr. provides approximately 45 calories when prepared at the standard concentration of 30 Cal/fl oz.
Accurate Measurement: While the scoop is convenient, weighing the powder on a gram scale is the most accurate method for consistent caloric intake.
Medical Guidance is Key: A healthcare professional must determine the appropriate calorie concentration, as needs vary depending on a child's age, weight, and specific medical condition.
Formula Type: EleCare Jr. is a hypoallergenic, amino acid-based formula intended for children ages 1 and up with severe food allergies or other GI disorders.
Variations: The calorie count is based on the standard mixing ratio. Higher caloric densities, prescribed by a doctor, will alter the calories per scoop.
Flavor Consistency: Both the unflavored and vanilla versions of EleCare Jr. have the same calorie density per gram of powder.

Understanding the Calories Per Scoop in EleCare Jr.

For caregivers of children with severe food allergies or other complex gastrointestinal conditions, understanding the exact nutritional content of their child's formula is crucial. EleCare Jr. is a vital tool in managing these dietary needs, and knowing the caloric contribution of each scoop is a fundamental part of proper preparation.

When mixed according to the standard directions for a 30 Calorie per fluid ounce concentration, a single, level scoop of EleCare Jr. powder contains approximately 45 calories. This figure is derived from the manufacturer's official mixing guides and nutritional data, which specify that four scoops of powder (totaling about 38 grams) are combined with 5 fluid ounces of water to produce a 6 fluid ounce bottle containing 180 calories. A simple division of the total calories by the number of scoops (180 / 4) confirms the 45-calorie amount per scoop.

Why Calorie Calculation is Essential

Precision in caloric intake is paramount for children on specialized diets. The instructions provided by a healthcare professional may vary from the standard dilution based on the child's age, weight, and specific nutritional requirements. Any adjustment to the formula's concentration directly impacts the calories per scoop, making it vital to follow professional guidance closely to ensure the child receives the right amount of nutrition.

For higher calorie needs: A healthcare provider may prescribe a higher calorie concentration (e.g., 32, 34, or 36 calories per fluid ounce). This involves using more powder for the same amount of water, which increases the caloric value per scoop. This is not something to attempt without medical supervision.
Avoiding errors: A standardized calorie count helps prevent accidental under- or overfeeding, which can have significant consequences for children with delicate digestive systems.

Mixing for Maximum Accuracy

While using the provided scoop is convenient, the most accurate method for preparing EleCare Jr. is by weight. The powder's density can vary slightly, and scoops may not be perfectly level, leading to minor inaccuracies. For situations where even small variations could impact a child's health, using a gram scale is the recommended approach.

A Comparison of Pediatric Amino Acid Formulas

Here is a simple comparison illustrating the standard caloric density of different hypoallergenic formulas for older children (ages 1+):


Formula Type	Calories per fluid ounce (Standard)	Protein Source	Intended Use	Notes
EleCare Jr.	30 Cal/fl oz	Free Amino Acids	Severe food allergies, malabsorption, GI conditions	Contains DHA and Lutein in some varieties
Alfamino Jr.	30 Cal/fl oz	Free Amino Acids	Allergies, malabsorption, GI conditions	Requires specific mixing ratio for 30 Cal/fl oz
Neocate Jr.	30 Cal/fl oz	Free Amino Acids	Severe food allergies, GI issues	Also an amino acid-based formula

It is important to note that while these formulas share a standard caloric density, their specific mixing ratios, ingredients, and flavor options may differ. Always consult the product label and your doctor's instructions.

The Importance of Medical Supervision

EleCare Jr. is a medical food designed for specific, medically complex conditions. It should always be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. A doctor will determine the appropriate calorie concentration, feeding schedule, and duration of use based on a child's unique needs. This personalized approach ensures the formula effectively supports growth and manages symptoms without causing complications. For example, the need for a higher calorie concentration might impact a child's hydration status, so a doctor must monitor fluid intake from other sources.

Conclusion

For parents and caregivers, knowing that one scoop of EleCare Jr. delivers approximately 45 calories at standard dilution provides a clear and practical guide for daily use. However, this number is a starting point, and meticulous adherence to a healthcare provider's specific instructions is the most important factor for a child's health and nutritional success. Proper mixing, whether by scoop or scale, ensures the formula delivers the precise nutritional support needed for children with sensitive dietary requirements. For further information and detailed product specifics, the Abbott Nutrition website is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard mixing ratio for EleCare Jr. to achieve a concentration of 30 calories per fluid ounce is four unpacked, level scoops of powder mixed with 5 fluid ounces of water.

No, the unflavored and vanilla versions of EleCare Jr. contain the same calorie density per gram of powder, so the calorie count per scoop is consistent across these two flavors.

You should never alter the calorie concentration without explicit instructions from a healthcare professional. Adjusting the ratio can affect fluid balance and should be closely monitored by a doctor.

For maximum accuracy, especially for medically fragile children, Abbott Nutrition recommends weighing the powder with a gram scale. This eliminates minor inconsistencies that can occur with scooping.

EleCare is for infants (0-12 months) and is typically mixed at a lower calorie density (20 Cal/fl oz), while EleCare Jr. is for children ages 1 and up and is mixed at a standard 30 Cal/fl oz.

EleCare Jr. uses 100% free amino acids as its protein source, making it easily digestible for children who cannot tolerate intact or hydrolyzed proteins found in standard formulas.

Abbott Nutrition provides several child-friendly recipe ideas that incorporate EleCare Jr. on their website, suitable for children ages 1 and up.

It is prescribed for children with conditions such as severe food allergies, cow's milk protein allergy, protein maldigestion/malabsorption, short-bowel syndrome, and eosinophilic GI disorders.